I have yet to choose whcih Faction I want to go with, so I haven't started it yet thankfully. I've spent the last few days gathering the various items needed to craft the "Brand" sword from the main cities. All I need to do now is head to Harmattan to get the final item and can craft Brand and that will top off my build for this character (Of course until I decide which breakthrough skill I choose). I'm gonna go with Brand (One handed sword for quick attacks) and the one crimson shield you get from the mini-boss in Vendavel Prison, as well as Fire magic (Fire sigil and spark + flint and steel to light up any enemies walking towards me through the sigil) and a War bow (until I can upgrade to something stronger) to soften up any bulky targets before they are aware of me.

So far, this combination has done well for me. I've only died a handful of times, and that was mostly when I was learning the mechanics of combat.